Anita’s is an ornate heritage ballroom, capacity 1200 people and on Wollongong’s northern fringe. It’s stunning. Sprung wooden dance floor, ornate fittings. Too few of these places left. Shows in the Gong are feast or famine – they’re either well-supported or they die with dismal attendances. But who doesn’t want to see the Sunnyboys? It’s sold-out.
There’s not much that can be said about the Sunnyboys that hasn’t been said here, and elsewhere, many times before. They are THE Australian music success story of the 20-teens, a picture of triumph over adversity through love and tight personal bonds, and they’ve been recapturing their original spirit ever since they came back..
Friday night’s performance (what I saw of it) was as confident, relaxed and upbeat as I’ve seen them. Peter is the rock on Jeremy’s left, Richard the ebullient, positive force on his right. Bil Bilson’s unshakeable feels glue the whole thing at the seams.
Sometimes you do wonder where they can take this, but in the end it simply doesn’t matter. If there’s going to be new material - and that’s still a big “if” - let it come about at its own pace. They’re Alone With You and together with us all (and each other.) Long may it be so.